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Learn Cube

Lubrication Science

Putting “Lube” in a puzzle sounds weird to outsiders. To us, it is chemistry. The wrong lube can ruin a $60 cube.

The Chemistry

1. Silicone Based (The Standard)

Most cube lubes are Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

  • Properties: Doesn’t evaporate, doesn’t eat plastic, stays slippery forever.
  • Viscosity (cSt): Measured in Centistokes.
    • 100 cSt: Like water. Extremely fast. (e.g., DNM-37, Stardust).
    • 500 cSt: Like olive oil. Balanced.
    • 50,000 cSt: Like honey. Very slow, controllable, gummy. (e.g., Traxxas 50k, Nebula).

2. Water Based

  • Properties: Extremely fast “rush”, but evaporates in 2 days.
  • Use case: Competition day boost.
  • Warning: Can rust the metal screws/springs if you aren’t careful.

3. Aloe Vera?

  • Yes, some “eco” lubes use plant bases. They feel unique (plush/soft) but can dry out weirdly.

Where to apply?

The Tracks (Plastic on Plastic)

  • Goal: Speed and Smoothness.
  • Use: Thin silicone (Lunar, Martian).
  • Amount: 2 drops. Break in.

The Core (Metal on Plastic)

  • Goal: Silence spring noise and reduce friction.
  • Use: Heavy, thick silicone (Weight 5, Traxxas 50k).
  • Amount: A tiny dab on the washer/spring.

What NOT to use

  • WD-40: It is a solvent. It melts ABS plastic. Your cube will fuse into a brick.
  • Cooking Oil: It goes rancid. Your cube will smell like rotting french fries.
  • Vaseline: It eats plastic over time (petroleum jelly).

Setup Recipes

  • ”The Speedy”: Lunar (Tracks) + Stardust (Surface).
  • ”The Control”: Nebula (Tracks) + Weight 5 (Core).
  • ”The Gummy”: Vortex (Tracks). Feels like moving through buttery mud.